Chhattisgarh Tops in Forest and Tree Cover Growth: ISFR

• 23 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top state in combined forest and tree cover growth according to the Indian Forest Survey Report (ISFR) 2023. 

Key Points 

• Chhattisgarh's Forest and Tree Cover Growth: 
• Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top state in combined forest and tree cover growth according to the Indian Forest Survey Report (ISFR) 2023. 
• Chhattisgarh saw an increase of 94.75 sq km in forest cover, bringing its total forest area to 55,811.75 sq km. 
• The state recorded a total increase of 684 sq km in forest and tree cover, the highest among all Indian states. 
• Chhattisgarh's combined forest and tree cover (55,812 sq km) is the third-largest in the country after Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, with a significant increase in both forest and tree areas. 

Key Findings from ISFR 2023 

• Total Forest and Tree Cover: 
  • India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 8,27,357 sq km, which is 25.17% of the country’s geographical area. 
  • The total forest and tree cover in India includes 7,15,343 sq km of forest cover (21.76% of the total geographical area) and 1,12,014 sq km of tree cover (3.41% of the total geographical area). 
• Top States in Forest and Tree Cover Growth: 
  • Chhattisgarh: Increased forest and tree cover by 684 sq km. 
  • Uttar Pradesh: Increased cover by 559 sq km. 
  • Odisha: Increased cover by 559 sq km. 
  • Rajasthan: Increased cover by 394 sq km. 
• States with Largest Forest and Tree Cover: 
  • Madhya Pradesh: Largest total cover at 85,724 sq km. 
  • Arunachal Pradesh: Second-largest cover at 67,083 sq km. 
  • Maharashtra: Third-largest cover at 65,383 sq km. 
• States with Largest Forest Cover: 
  • Madhya Pradesh: 77,073 sq km. 
  • Arunachal Pradesh: 65,882 sq km. 
  • Chhattisgarh: 55,812 sq km.